Senior's Center

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease affects the brain, causing memory problems and eventually severe problems with mental function. It gets worse in stages, and people with Alzheimer's have gradual memory loss as well as loss of judgment, trouble concentrating, loss of language skills, personality changes, and a decline in the ability to learn new tasks. In advanced stages, people with Alzheimer's can lose all memory and mental abilities.

Alzheimer's is the most common kind of dementia. About 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and this number is expected to grow as the population gets older. How it progresses is different for each person. If Alzheimer's comes on quickly, it usually gets worse quickly. If it has been slow to get worse, it will often continue slowly.

Alzheimer's symptoms happen because the disease kills brain cells. In a healthy brain, billions of neurons create chemical and electrical signals that are relayed from cell to cell. They help a person think, remember, and feel. Neurotransmitters -- brain chemicals -- help these signals move from cell to cell. In people with Alzheimer's, neurons in some places start to die, and the brain makes lower levels of neurotransmitters. That causes the brain to have problems with its signals.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are some medications that can help slow the progression of the disease in some people. Some herbs and supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, may help reduce the risk or improve quality of life.

Researchers aren't sure what causes Alzheimer's disease. Both genetics and the environment may combine in some cases. Recent research indicates that free radicals (molecules that damage cells and DNA) may play a role.

The brains of people with Alzheimer's have a buildup of two types of proteins. Clumps of abnormal cells are called plaques, made of beta-amyloid protein. These plaques build up between neurons and may stop them from communicating with each other. Inside nerve cells are tangles, made of twisted tau protein. The brain needs tau protein to function, but in people with Alzheimer's the protein gets twisted, which may cause damage to brain cells.

People with the APOE-e4 gene are more likely to develop Alzheimer's -- it's known as a "risk gene" for the condition. But scientists think there may be many more genes involved. And even people without inherited genes for the disease can get Alzheimer's.

There is no single test for Alzheimer's disease. A true diagnosis can be made only after a person dies and an autopsy is done on the brain.

However, Alzheimer's usually has a pattern of symptoms. A doctor will start by ruling out other possible causes. The doctor will ask questions about medical history and symptoms and do a physical exam, including a neurological exam.

The following tests may also be used:

Mental status evaluation, to test memory and attention span. It can also show any problems in problem-solving, social, and language skills.

Genetic test, using a blood test for the APOE-e4 gene. Having the gene may suggest Alzheimer's, but it does not always mean someone has the disease.

Imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET scans.

In the early stages, brain scans may be normal. In later stages, an MRI may show certain brain areas have gotten smaller. While the scans do not confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, they rule out other causes of dementia such as stroke and tumor.

No one knows exactly how to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help.

Eating more fatty, cold-water fish, such as tuna and salmon, may lower your risk of dementia. This may be because these fish have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart and the brain. Eating fish at least two to three times per week provides a healthy amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E, and C (found in darkly colored fruits and vegetables), may help prevent damage caused by free radicals.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's. The most promising treatments include lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle

Studies show the following lifestyle changes may help improve behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease:

A regular walk with a caregiver or trusted companion may improve communication skills and reduce the chance of wandering.

Bright light therapy may reduce insomnia and wandering.

Calming music may reduce wandering and restlessness, boost brain chemicals, and improve behavior.

Pets can sometimes help people improve behavior.

Relaxation training and other exercises that require focused attention may help boost social interaction and make it easier to do tasks.

The Safe Return Program, started by the Alzheimer's Association, encourages identification bracelets, wallet cards, and clothing labels for people with Alzheimer's. Information is stored in a national database and given to authorities when a person is reported missing.

Medications

Several drugs are available to try to slow the progression of Alzheimer's and possibly improve mental function.

Cholinesterase inhibitors -- increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain. Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. This class of drugs includes:

Donepezil (Aricept)

Rivastigmine (Exelon)

Galantamine (Razadyne, formerly called Reminyl)

Memantine (Namenda) -- This drug works by regulating a chemical messenger called glutamate, which is involved in information storage and retrieval in the brain. Side effects can include headache, constipation, confusion, and dizziness. It is the only drug approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease.

The following medications may also ease the symptoms related to Alzheimer's:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that boost a brain chemical called serotonin. They are used to treat depression that often happens in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

Methylphenidate (Concerta) is a stimulant that is often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is sometimes used to treat withdrawal and apathy in people with Alzheimer's.

Carbamazepine is an anti-seizure drug that stabilizes sodium levels in the brain. It is sometimes used to treat agitation in people with Alzheimer's.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

People with Alzheimer's may need help with their diet. They often forget to eat and drink and can get dehydrated.

Follow these tips for a healthy diet:

Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).

Eat foods high in B-vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains, dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables such as kelp and dulce.

Eat more high-fiber foods, including beans, oats, and root vegetables (such as potatoes and yams).

Reduce or eliminate trans-fats, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.

Don’t smoke.

Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.

Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

Always tell you doctor about any herb or dietary supplement you are taking, because some could interact with other medications. These supplements may help with some symptoms of Alzheimer's, although more study is needed:

Phosphatidylserine shows promise in several studies. Phosphatidylserine is a substance that is found in the brain. It may raise levels of brain chemicals that deal with memory, according to several studies. It may work best in people with mild symptoms, and may stop working after about 16 weeks. Do not take phosphatidylserine if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. Use caution if taking it with ginkgo. In both cases, your risk of bleeding may increase. Phosphatidylserine may cause sleeplessness in some people. It may interact with other medications for Alzheimer's and glaucoma. Ask your doctor before taking it.

Antioxidants may protect against developing dementia. They may even slow the progression of dementia. In some, but not all, studies, vitamin E combined with Aricept seemed to slow mental decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. Another antioxidant, coenzyme Q10, may help the brain get more oxygen. It may also help blood clot, so it might make blood-thinners not work as well as they should. The skins of dark berries also provide valuable antioxidants. Try eating half a cup of frozen blueberries daily -- freezing them helps your body better absorb the antioxidants.

Zinc (30 - 50 mg per day) is often low in elderly people, and may help improve memory.

Herbs

Herbs may strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) shows some evidence for treating early Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. However, one large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ginkgo did not prevent Alzheimer's or dementia. If you are taking blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, don't use ginkgo without your doctor's supervision.

Huperzine A, a chemical made from the plant Huperzia serrata, may improve memory in both vascular and Alzheimer's dementia, according to several studies in China. However, more studies are needed to know for sure. Huperzine A may slow your heart rate and can interact with many medications. Do not take huperzine A if you have liver disease or if you are about to have anesthesia. Talk to your doctor before taking huperzine A if you already take medication to treat Alzheimer's.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) improves blood flow to the brain. Use with caution if you have high blood pressure, and talk to your doctor before combining ginseng with gingko.

One study showed that lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) helped improve mental function in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. Lemon balm may act like a mild sedative.

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) leaf extract, called Brahmi, is used in Ayurvedic or Indian medicine to improve brain function and learning. However, no scientific studies have looked at bacopa to see whether it might work for dementia. One study found that 300 mg per day for 12 weeks seemed to improve brain function in healthy people. Bacopa may slow your heart rate. People with stomach ulcers, intestinal problems, or emphysema should not tale bacopa.

Vinpocetine (isolated from Vinca minor) may increase blood flow to the brain and help the brain better use oxygen. However, most of the studies done so far have been of poor quality. More research is needed. Vinpocetine may interact with blood thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin.

Acupuncture

Small studies have shown that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a technique used in physical therapy and certain types of acupuncture, may improve memory and daily living skills in people with Alzheimer's. More studies are needed.

Massage and Physical Therapy

People with Alzheimer's disease become frustrated and anxious because they cannot communicate well with language. Using touch, or massage, as nonverbal communication may help. In one study, people with Alzheimer's who got hand massages and were spoken to in a calming manner had lower pulse rates and didn't engage in as much inappropriate behavior. Health care professionals think that massage may help not only because it is relaxing, but because it provides a form of social interaction.

Mind-Body Medicine

Music Therapy

Music therapy -- using music to calm and heal -- cannot slow or reverse dementia. But it may improve quality of life for both a person with Alzheimer's disease and their caregiver. Clinical reports suggest that music therapy may reduce wandering and restlessness and increase chemicals in the brain that promote sleep and ease anxiety. Mood also got better after listening to the music.

Support for the Caregiver

Studies suggest that caregivers who receive emotional support have better quality of life, which also benefits the people they care for.